1405 NEW LANCASTER VALLEY ROAD, MILROY, Pennsylvania, 17063, United States
Reeds Gap State Park
1405 NEW LANCASTER VALLEY ROAD, MILROY, Pennsylvania, 17063, United States
Nearby places
Milroy: 7 miles / approximately 15 minutes driving.
Nearby supplies
Nearest camp store located within 10 miles of the campground
additional supplies may be available in Milroy.
Driving directionsReeds Gap is reached from US 322 at the Milroy Exit. Follow park signs for seven miles.
The park is accessible via a paved road, and signs are available to guide visitors from the US 322 Milroy Exit. Accessibility challenges are not explicitly mentioned.
Weather at Reeds Gap State Park
About Reeds Gap State Park
Reeds Gap State Park sits in central Pennsylvania's New Lancaster Valley, offering 14 tent-only sites along Honey Creek. The campground is genuinely remote. Expect no cell service for the last 10 minutes of your drive in and throughout the park. Sites run $15-$50 per night and come with flush toilets and hot showers, a rare combination for primitive camping.
Reeds Gap State Park is designated as a tent-only campground. The environment is remote and suited for campers seeking a quiet, off-the-grid experience.
Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs range from the mid-40s to upper-60s °F, and Honey Creek runs fuller from spring melt. Wildflowers appear along the trails, and bird migration picks up without summer's heat or crowds. Summer brings warm days good for creek exploration, though the thick canopy keeps temperatures comfortable. Winter sees occasional snowfall. Fall turns the canopy gold. The forest stays cool and breezy even in peak summer.
ElevationNestled within the rolling topography of central Pennsylvania, the park's gentle terrain creates an accessible wilderness experience where the landscape's natural contours add interest without challenging accessibility.
Natural Features and SceneryDense hemlock and white pine forests create a shaded canopy above moss-covered rocks and gravelly ground at 945 feet elevation. Honey Creek winds through the campground, running higher in spring from melt and rain. One visitor described it as 'so many green mossy rocks and the creek is very peaceful.' The water is clear enough for wading and trout fishing. The forest here is old enough to feel cathedral-like, with some sites close enough to the creek that you'll fall asleep to the sound of moving water.
Geological RegionSituated in the scenic New Lancaster Valley of Mifflin County, Reeds Gap showcases the region's signature landscape of dense hemlock and white pine forests. This pocket of Pennsylvania wilderness represents some of the state's most pristine forest ecosystems, where Honey Creek has carved its path through the valley over millennia, creating the perfect setting for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.
Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites are located next to Honey Creek, offering views of the swift-running water. Wildlife such as hawks, owls, and herons are commonly noted.
Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging facilities such as cabins or lodges are explicitly mentioned within the park boundaries from the sources.
Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were highlighted in the provided information.
Creek-side privacy matters to you: sites 5, 8, and 12 put you closest to Honey Creek and farthest from the tight clusters near the parking lots. Spring hiking connects 3 miles of in-park trail to an 18-mile route toward Poe Paddy, and Ranger Dan Hartley is genuinely useful for lo
Skip if
Gravelly ground is a real obstacle if you're sleeping on a thin pad or setting up a freestanding tent that needs stakes. No firewood sales mean packing a hatchet or scrounging on arrival, cell service disappears 10 minutes out, and construction noise has crept into recent reviews
Campgrounds
Reeds Gap State Park
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Current alert: Construction was noted in some reviews, leading to noise during specific times.
Best Time to Camp at Reeds Gap State Park
Spring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs range from the mid-40s to upper-60s °F, and Honey Creek runs fuller from spring melt. Wildflowers appear along the trails, and bird migration picks up without summer's heat or crowds. Summer brings warm days good for creek exploration, though the thick canopy keeps temperatures comfortable. Winter sees occasional snowfall. Fall turns the canopy gold. The forest stays cool and breezy even in peak summer.
Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in PA
Spring labeled best: creek fuller, mountain laurel/wildflowers and active bird migration.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Summer reviews note serenity, swimming opportunities and enjoyable hiking.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Fall offers bird migration and foliage; reviewers give positive seasonal notes.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Winter is quieter with cross-country skiing noted but colder/less activity.
Planning Tips
Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Not explicitly stated.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive nights is not clearly specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite allows no more than one family unit or five unrelated individuals.
Groups
No group sites or specific details about group camping are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe 14 tent sites are arranged near parking lots labeled A, B, C, and D. Spacing is inconsistent. Some sites are tight and close together, others feel more open. The ground is gravelly, which makes tent setup harder and sleeping pads necessary. Sites closer to the creek tend to be more private.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official state park channels, but specific platforms are not detailed.
Walk-in AvailabilityWhile not clearly detailed, reviews imply limited walk-up availability due to the tent-only nature and remote location of the campground.
AccessibilityAccessible restrooms are mentioned as being within the facility, but detailed descriptions of other accessibility features are missing from the sources.
Site SizeThe campsites are tent-only, with some sites noted as spacious and others described as tightly packed. For example, 'We stayed at site #8 which was spacious and had an L-shaped layout,' contrasted with 'the sites are very close together and tight.
PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across campsites. Some reviewers highlighted specific sites, such as #5, #8, and #12, as being more private and closer to the creek, while others noted that many sites are close together. 'We felt very private even with neighbors,' one user mentioned.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended SitesSite #8 is praised for its privacy and L-shaped layout; sites #5 and #12 are recommended for their creek proximity.
Best CampsitesSites #5, #8, and #12 get the most recommendations. Site #8 is spacious with an L-shaped layout and good creek access. All three offer more privacy and closer proximity to Honey Creek than other sites. One camper noted, 'We felt very private even with neighbors' at one of these spots.
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Reeds Gap State Park offers a range of amenities, catering predominantly to tent campers. Amenities mentioned include hot showers, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, hunting areas, a park office, picnic areas, picnic pavilions, a playground, accessible restrooms, flush toilets, and potable water. Notably, flush toilets and hot showers were praised for cleanliness and maintenance, though some users pointed out issues such as pooling water near shower doors and inconsistent spray pressure. Cell service is minimal, offering a 'getaway' feel for visitors. Firewood is not sold on-site, but campers can forage for wood within the park.
Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities suited for nature enthusiasts. Highlights include well-maintained hiking trails, fishing in Honey Creek, and observing local wildlife such as hawks, great blue herons, and deer. Winter activities like cross-country skiing and seasonal hunting are also available.
Hiking
The park features 3 miles of hiking trails within its boundaries and connects to an 18-mile trail leading to Poe Paddy State Park. Trails are described as well-marked and suitable for day hikes. 'Great hiking trails and a wonderful playground for the children,' noted one reviewer.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Honey Creek, which runs through the park. Reviewers described it as 'a blast fishing and observing wildlife.' The creek is about 20 ft wide and 1-3 ft deep in sections.
Swimming
The creek running through the park is swimmable and described as 'splashable.' However, safety is not explicitly detailed; one reviewer mentioned the creek was 'pretty swift running, so I don’t know if it would be safe to jump in.'
Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife can be observed, including hawks, eagles, great blue herons, and deer. 'We heard whipperwills and owls at night,' described one guest.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and snakes, as well as swift-running creek water.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).
Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but only with gathered firewood from the site (not brought in).
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 PM - 8 AM.
Emergency ServicesRanger Station: 7176673622. No specific information is provided regarding hospitals or police stations.
Trash & RecyclingNo explicit details on trash and recycling facilities were provided, but campers are required to clean and properly dispose of waste before vacating the site as per park rules.
Water FeaturesHoney Creek runs adjacent to many campsites, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.
Camp HostRanger Dan Hartley is highlighted in reviews as friendly and helpful, providing advice on gathering firewood and local stores.
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Tips from campers
Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.
Reviews
From Booking Sources
4.5
45 reviews
Top-Rated
Reeds Gap State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Reeds Gap State Park highlight its serene, remote setting and well-maintained facilities. 'The park is beautiful, so many green mossy rocks and the creek is very peaceful,' described one camper. While the park’s secluded nature and clean amenities earn high praise, some complaints about proximity of campsites and lack of firewood sales were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews frequently highlight the park's cleanliness, natural beauty, and the friendly, helpful staff. Specific campsites such as #8 are praised for being spacious and private. Flush toilets...
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Based on 45 reviews
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes the close proximity of some campsites, gravelly ground making it difficult to pitch tents, and the lack of cell service or firewood sales. One user noted, 'The sites are...
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Based on 45 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #5, #8, and #12 are particularly recommended for privacy and creek access. Site #14 is noted as very tight for multiple tents. 'We determined that sites 5, 8, and 12 were definitely the choice...
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Based on 45 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a hatchet or ax to collect firewood, as it is not sold on-site. Ensure you have a good sleeping pad due to gravelly campsites. Sites #5, #8, and #12 are recommended for their privacy and...
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Based on 45 reviews
Seasonal Insights
During summer months, the park is described as serene and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and hiking. Winter reviews mention cross-country skiing and a peaceful, snow-covered...
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Based on 45 reviews
Camper Quotes
'We cannot say enough good things about Reeds Gap State Park! It’s the best tenting campground in a state park we have ever been to.' – Dori Clary. 'Tiny quaint park along picturesque Honey Creek.' –...
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Based on 45 reviews
Accessibility Features
Accessible restrooms are mentioned, but no detailed reviews regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities were provided.
Based on 45 reviews
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in designated areas. Many reviewers appreciated that the park is dog-friendly, with some mentioning the creek as a fun place for dogs to play.
Based on 45 reviews
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